Sock Ball

To create a sock ball to play with a young child for no money at all, take a pair of socks (preferably clean). Line up the socks side by side. Take the top and fold down part way over the cuff. Scrunch the foot of the sock into the turned down part making it as round as possible.

Now you can think up activities to use your homemade ball. Throw it back and forth so you both can try to catch it. Because it is soft, it is safe to use indoors.

Use a laundry basket like a basketball net. Try to throw the ball into the laundry basket. Clap when the child makes a basket.

Make two balls and see how far you can throw them. Who made it the farthest?

Be creative. Think of your own twist on a game you can do with your child.

This is a great activity for laundry day when you are folding clean laundry.

It can also be used if you are out somewhere and need something to do with your child and have no toys with you. Of course, the socks would not be clean at that point, but they can provide distraction and something to do. So you will never be left with nothing to do.